Development of an indoor facility

No.1 Lawson Way is a former infants school built in 1927. The building was known locally as “Lawson Little School” (i.e. infants); next door, now demolished  was “Lawson Big School” (i.e.  juniors)].  Use as a school ceased some time around 1990 and it was then used as a book repository. In 1996 it passed into the ownership of Middlesbrough Council upon the abolition of Cleveland County Council. The club has a 99 year lease from Middlesbrough Council which commenced in November 2007.

Presentations have been made to North Ormesby Community Council both to keep the community apprised of our progress for the club at No.1 Lawson Way but also to illustrate the possibilities locally arising from the conversion the premises. The club committee is conscious of the fact that this is a building which will hold memories for many local people and has been diligent in keeping  the Community Council updated as to progress. 

A conversion scheme was prepared and all the necessary statutory consents have been obtained. Our principal national organisation, the National Rifle Association was consulted and gave provisional approval to the proposals both from the viewpoint of range certification and the promotion of target sports in the North East. In addition acoustic, ground, structural and asbestos surveys were carried out the results of which were satisfactory. Unfortunately the premises had been vandalised prior to the club taking occupation but the effects, whilst extensive, were only superficial and easily remedied

Apart from the headline issue of a permanent home for our club the aim of the project is to create a target sports centre which will cater for non- firearm based target sports (principally air rifle, air pistol and archery) as well as the traditional target sports using approved firearms thereby increasing numbers and promoting target sports especially among younger people. It is hoped that the location will be seen as a centre of excellence for target sports; that is our intention.

   

The premises are ideally suited for the proposed use and have the capability of providing two indoor ranges side by side, one of 35 yards and one of 25 yards both separated by a central corridor. There are also rooms and floorspace for the provision of WC, amenity, storage and office facilities.

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From a location viewpoint the premises are ideally situated with easy access from the A66 together with good visibility from that direction. Individual access and parking capability is excellent.  

The Lawson Project

In summary the aim of the project is to provide

•  secure base for Tees Valley Target Sports and one which will facilitate its expanded membership criteria and increase membership
• a centre of excellence for target sports with sub regional if not regional impact
• two internal ranges one of 35 yards, one of 25 yards to an appropriate standard (i.e. to cater for the types and calibre of firearm in use at the outdoor range)
• storage space including a secure store (note that no firearms or ammuntion will be stored at the premises)
• office space and rest area/lounge
• WC accommodation to current standards including disabled WC.
• disabled access to current standards
• car parking including disabled parking
• means of ventilation alarm systems and electrical supply to current standards
• emergency means of escape and lighting to current standards
• improved external appearance

 

The layout of the building with the two ranges which can be operated independently means that both functionalities can be accommodated. With this in mind the club amended its constitution and rules to cater specifically for those who do not wish to take on the responsibility of firearm ownership. This has meant that we will be able to widen our membership base with potential for general and local community involvement whether as club members or as visitors.

With assistance from the 2nd year apprentices of Middlesbrough College the interior skin of the building takes shape

Works to date

The Committee of the day decided that work would progress using club resources but leaving some cash in reserve to continue club activities which in themselves contribute through donations. This approach has proved successful so far and the following works were carried out using accumulated club funds :

•  provision of a mains water suppy
• immediate repairs including replacing all rainwater goods
• clearing up and repair of vandalism damage
• removal of the four cross walls to create the desired useable distance of 35 yards
• internal blockwork to the main 35 yard range (ongoing)
• external maintenance and decoration
• purchase of a generator
• purchase of building materials, cleaning materials and associated equipment
• substantial time and effort on the part of the membership (ongoing)

 

Works required to complete the project

• provision of a mains three phase electricity supply
• repair of the connection to the main drains
• removal of the two cross walls to the 25 yard range (B Range)
• electrical works throughout including alarms, emergency lighting and ventilation equipment
• renovation/provision of WCs
• removal of an old building slab on part of the car park area
• internal blockwork to B Range
• bricking up the window openings to B Range
• suspended (acoustic) ceiling to A and B Range
• interior decoration and making good ( to be carried out by club members)